(Comments from recent prayer meetings at Pastor John’s House)
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John,
The feelings from this morning, and the message you preached, and the fellowship you could feel between us, and the wonderful songs, are still coursing through me. They were out of this world! They were “impossible” without God. I loved what you said about the things of God being impossible. It was impossible (from man’s point of view) for God to create a Son, and then to have that Son create the universe and then everything and everyone in it – but He did. It was impossible for men to receive God’s kind of life and be cleansed from sin – but it happened, and it is still happening. It will be impossible for man to destroy this universe and all of the wickedness that is in it, with a fervent heat – but it’s going to come to pass.
I thought about how this applied to what God has done in my life. Everything that God has done in my life has been impossible for me, or anyone else, to do. It was impossible for me to have the feelings of conviction for sin sitting in that little church pew on April 15, 2007 – I didn’t even believe in or want God, and I wasn’t even looking for Him (or so I thought) – but I did feel those feelings, and they were more real to me than anything else that was in my life at that time. It was impossible for me to find, or learn, or understand the truth – but God led me to Gary’s website and opened my heart to receive the truth that was there, and believe it, understand it, and love it. That is amazing! It was impossible for me to receive the baptism of the holy ghost and begin speaking in tongues (though I sure did try) – God did it, when He was satisfied with my repentance and I surrendered myself to Him. He filled me with the holy ghost in HIS time, and not a moment sooner! It was impossible for me to be happy, and satisfied, when the ones around me began hating the things God was doing for me, and then threw me out of their lives – but God DID satisfy me and make me happy through those difficult times! It was impossible for me to put myself together with a pastor who hears from God and teaches the truth, just as it was impossible for me to put myself together with a family who loves the truth, and each other, and me, the way God does – but He did just that, and the miles that were between us were irrelevant to God. It was impossible for me to find a wife who loves Jesus, and loves the truth, and loves the family of God, and then find a way to put her, in North Carolina, with me, way out here in Nebraska – but He made all of those things happen. It was impossible for me to support myself and a wife (when I was barely able to even support myself for a time) and to have the things we needed (and then some), and live contented, happy lives – but God did it, and continues to do it, every day.
I love the impossible, miraculous things of God. I am looking forward to seeing, hearing, feeling, and living more of the impossible! I loved what you said last night, that things could be much, much worse than they are, but if we will simply walk in the Spirit and do God’s will for us, we will be as happy as we can possibly be!
One other thing I forgot to tell…
When I first started at LI-COR, there was a sales guy there named James. He was kind of a happy-go-lucky, friendly, talkative guy – but the thing that I remember most about him is that whenever anyone asked him how he was doing, he would reply, “Never better!” At the time, I found this response kind of annoying. After all, how could anyone be getting better and better, happier and happier every time you saw them? That’s impossible. Yep, it sure is. For us, anyway. Unless we are doing the will of God 🙂
Vince
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Hi, Pastor John;
Last night was so wonderful. It really felt good to have some fresh air that Venus brought. I felt she had a thankful testimony. It’s a testimony that all of us had at one time or another of being grateful that God brought us to a place where His Truth and Spirit are; a place of rest and hope. I didn’t know it until yesterday that Barbara was the one that suggested to you that Judy and me needed to be there on the Aug. 20th weekend in 2001. I have thankful tears (like Stuart had) this morning and I thank God for the thought that God gave Barbara for Judy and me. I’m glad Barbara did what she felt to do, like you were talking about last night.
It felt good to hear Jr. and Natalie testify. In the parking lot after the meeting, we embraced each other and the Spirit briefly fell under the stars and moon. I felt its a continuation of the sweet feelings we had at the Embry house the last time we stayed with them.
There were so many wonderful things said; Bro. Earl, Tom, Stuart, Jammie (whew), your scriptures, all of the songs by everyone; these things bring Life. We been around each for a while, and I pray for a while yet longer with each other on this Earth. We have a godly history with one another with His life, and if we stay prayed up, we get to make godly history with one another every day unto life and not unto death. Wow!
I am so glad and happy that Jesus has brought us to you. I love this way and truth; this is the best life on the planet.
Thank you, Jesus.
Billy
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I’m just sitting here tonight on my couch, and cannot stop thinking about today. Such beautiful, beautiful sights, beautiful feelings from Jesus, and beautiful words of life. What a wonderful God! And what a precious family.
Donna N.
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Pastor John,
The meetings this weekend were so sweet! I loved watching Sister Venus taking it all in. She had a wonderful testimony.
Like Doris, I was watching the kids when Gary and all the singers were singing. It was so touching to see their little faces and to see them really enjoy it from the beginning to the end. I kept thinking how blessed we are, to hear such wonderful music that touches your soul, to hear the truth with nothing mixed in, and to be able to see my brothers and sisters under the power of God!! Whew…what a wonderful life. We are truly a blessed family! I’m so thankful Jesus put me here!!
Michelle H.
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Hey Pastor John!
I loved the feelings that I felt last night, so sweet to my soul! Whew! When Aunt Betty started testifying last night the feelings were so strong! I looked at Greg and said, “Can you feel that?” He said, “Yes!” When Betty would take her hands and rub her stomach, neck, or arms, wow! I didn’t even realize that my neck felt so much better. My neck had been hurting pretty bad for about 2 weeks, so much that sometimes the pain medication didn’t even help. I woke up one morning and told Greg I must have lifted something or slept wrong that night. I am so thankful for that. I can not put into words what I am feeling.
I loved the part about husbands and wives too. I have been reading the scriptures on husbands and wives, it’s been really sweet.
Feeling so thankful!
Donna C.